The feelings associated with trauma can stick with us for a very long time, long after the actual event has taken place. This, in turn, can affect our ability to feel comfortable, balanced, or at peace within ourselves. Processing these memories is often not a simple task, but taking the step to find an emdr therapist in San Diego is an effective option, and can help in moving forward.
EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is one of the most impactful therapies for individuals who suffer from distressing memories of anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. This guide will explain how the method works, why it is so effective, and how to find the right therapist in the San Diego region.
Understanding EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is a specialized approach designed to help the brain reprocess painful memories in a healthy way. Different from the traditional talk approach, EMDR helps unlock and reshape traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation in the form of eye movement, tapping, or sounds.
Sometimes, our brain has a hard time moving on from a traumatic event. EMDR therapy offers the opportunity to carefully, within a structured environment, encounter the memories that your mind has been trying to repress and process those memories more healthily.
This form of therapy can assist with:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks
- Depression related to previous traumatic incidents
- Phobias and irrational fears
- Low self-esteem is associated with childhood negative experiences
Why Pick an EMDR Therapist in San Diego
San Diego has a wealth of well-trained therapists with a specialization in trauma recovery. EMDR professionals in San Diego provide the advantage of well-coordinated, ongoing, individualized therapy and in-therapy sessions, which help in fostering trust and a therapeutic relationship.
An EMDR therapist in San Diego will:
- Establish as well as maintain a safe therapeutic space and provide the needed support.
- Assist you in pinpointing the traumatic memories that are of particular distressing concern.
- Provide EMDR therapy in well-defined, carefully managed phases, with empathy and skill.
- Assist you in attaining long-term emotional health through a fusion of various techniques.
EMDR Therapy Phases
EMDR therapy is built on an eight-phase framework that works towards better preparation for the reprocessing of the traumatic memories and the eventual integration of healthier self-beliefs.
- History and Treatment Planning: Gather relevant information regarding the patient’s experience and symptoms.
- Preparation: Attain emotional control through various coping mechanisms.
- Assessment: Identify particular memories or events to be processed.
- Desensitization – Bilateral stimulation assists with safely processing disturbing psychological content.
- Installation – Reinforcement of positive self-concept is automated while negative self-perceptions fade away.
- Body Scan – The participant evaluates if there is still some physical tension associated with the memory.
- Closure – All the sessions end with the client feeling calm and centered.
- Reevaluation – The therapist checks the client’s progress, reflects on the work done, and decides on the next steps.
This method helps you process and gain a healthier perspective on traumatic memories.
First Session: Preparing for Your First Session
Therapy is a big step to take and can be intimidating, but don’t worry, an EMDR therapist will take the time to make you feel comfortable with each step of the process.
During the first session, you will:
- Go over your personal and psychosocial history, current issues, and goals for therapy
- Receive an explanation of EMDR and expectations for the sessions to follow
- Guided through a relaxation exercise tailored for you to feel comfortable and safe before trauma work begins
EMDR therapy isn’t about discussing traumatic events; it’s about understanding the memory, and for that reason, the associated details will be kept brief during sessions. For many, this focus can be a relief.
The Benefits of EMDR Therapy
For optimal trauma treatment, EMDR Therapy effectively mitigates symptoms and treats the underlying core issues of trauma, making it one of the strongest options available.
Consider the following advantages:
- Improvement over classical methods of treatment – Unlike traditional methods of treatment, EMDR Therapy works much faster, yielding noticeable improvements after as little as a few sessions.
- Reduction of inflicting memories – EMDR Therapy allows memories to be reprocessed, and therefore stored within the brain without neurotic attach, making reprocessed memories and emotions no longer negatively charged.
- Emotionally Stable – Enhanced emotional intelligence allows for decreased reactivity and emotional outbursts, leading to a more peaceful and less mentally busy life.
- Enhanced Personal Assessment – EMDR Therapy counteracts negative thought patterns and assists in increasing one’s self-speech for altering thoughts related to self and life.
Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR and revealed that EMDR therapy is capable, and in many instances, more efficient than standard talk psychotherapy in addressing trauma-related concerns.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR
EMDR Therapy is designed for those who have experienced impactful traumatic events in their life and is the most efficient option for individuals struggling with overwhelming memories of past experiences that affect their present emotions and conduct.
You may find EMDR helpful for:
- Emotional neglect or abuse during your childhood.
- Grief that feels unresolved.
- Anxiety stemming from past medical treatments or accidents.
- Situationally-triggered panic attacks.
- Phobias that interfere with your daily activities.
A therapist for EMDR in San Diego can evaluate your situation to tailor therapy that is best suited for you.
How to Select a Therapist Who Specializes in EMDR
A therapist who truly understands you and your needs is vital to your healing journey. As you search for EMDR therapists in San Diego, keep these points in mind:
- Credentials and training – Check if the therapist is certified in EMDR therapy.
- Experience with your specific concerns – See if they have treated clients with similar trauma backgrounds.
- Therapeutic approach – Some therapists combine EMDR with mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques.
- Personal connection – Comfort and rapport are vital in therapy, so choose someone you trust.
Most therapists offer initial consultations, which can assist in making your decision.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
Because your trauma is specific and complex, your goals will impact the number of EMDR sessions you need. While some clients may see significant improvement in a few sessions, others may require a more extensive approach for complex, deeply rooted challenges.
Typically, EMDR therapy is structured around weekly sessions over a span of a few months. Your therapist will work alongside you to develop a blueprint that is in synergy with your healing journey and feels achievable to you.
EMDR Therapy: Common Misconceptions
We understand that EMDR is less known and considered somewhat of a mystery to many. With that being said, let us clear out some of the common misconceptions:
- “I will be hypnotized” – EMDR will not put you in a trance. You will stay alert and in control at all times.
- “I will have to go over the trauma step by step” – EMDR focuses on your brain’s retention systems. You will not have to recount the whole event.
- “This is for people with extreme trauma” – EMDR is effective for a broad spectrum of emotional challenges, both large and small.
Integrating Other Treatments with EMDR
Although EMDR therapy can be a standalone treatment, it can be useful along with other mental health treatments. Some therapists combine EMDR with:
- Mindfulness practices
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Relaxation and grounding exercises
- Somatic experiencing
This comprehensive strategy builds emotional resilience and helps in recovery.
How to Get Ready for EMDR Sessions
When preparing for EMDR therapy, the following tips might help in optimizing the sessions:
- Provide accurate information to the therapist regarding the symptoms and the medical history for the best results.
- Engage in self-care both before and after the sessions to help with emotional grounding and relaxation.
- Document any emotions and thoughts in a journal to help track progression and themes in personal insights.
- Be gentle with yourself; recovery can take time and involve multiple stages.
Life Following EMDR Therapy
Calmness is one of the greatest benefits EMDR provides, which often continues long after treatment has been completed. Following treatment, clients typically report:
- Remaining calmer in previously anxiety-provoking situations.
- Exhibiting decreased intrusive thoughts and flashbacks.
- Developing improved relationships and boundaries.
- Feeling a stronger acceptance of self, along with greater inner peace.
Healing is not the same as forgetting the past. Rather, it is overcoming the control the past has had over your life.
Last Considerations
An emdr therapist in San Diego can help guide you toward the right path. EMDR gives people the chance to heal and provides greater ease and resiliency in daily life. Often, the right therapist fosters greater acceptance and peace, be it trauma, anxiety, or distress lingering in the background.
If you are looking to start the healing journey that such therapy can offer, do not hesitate to contact EMDR specialists. Kind and gentle help is waiting, ready to walk with you toward the path of emotional healing. If looking to start with qualified EMDR specialists, websites such as La Jolla Mental Health extend their help for a quicker response and begin the healing process today.